Tag Archives: Bill Plaschke

A funny thing happened to Gabby Douglas over the past four years. She grew up. She is no longer the pixie size darling we first met at the 2012 London Olympics. She is now a graceful young lady who proudly sports the dark purple lipstick. She is seemingly judged differently and far more harshly. She got nailed to the wall the other night for standing at with hand over heart instead of at attention, but look at the picture of the GOP presidential candidate’s stance at a GOP debate. Where was the outrage? LA Times Bill Plaschke compared her gesture to the 1968 track runners who raised clinched fists during the playing of the National Anthem. Really? Give Gabby a break. There was no shade here. Michal Phelps was laughing during the ceremony but that’s ok. Douglass has grown up and she is learning that she must play by a new set of rules and that is simply sad.